The Psychology of Addiction: 5 Shocking Reasons Why We Turn to Substances
Addiction has become one of the most pressing social and health challenges worldwide. To understand how to help those affected, we must first explore the psychology of addiction, why people turn to substances in the first place. Tony Chihota’s book The Beginning offers a raw and honest account of his own struggles with substance abuse, revealing the inner battles, triggers, and turning points that many can relate to.
This post explores five psychological reasons why people turn to substances, supported by real-life reflections from Tony’s story and research from mental health experts.
1. Escaping Emotional Pain
One of the most common reasons people turn to substances is to numb emotional pain. Whether it’s grief, anxiety, or unresolved trauma, drugs and alcohol can feel like an escape route.
Tony shares in The Beginning how moments of loneliness and frustration pushed him toward unhealthy choices. At first, substances seemed to silence the emotional turmoil, but in reality, they only created deeper wounds.
Learn more about Tony’s journey in The Beginning.
2. Peer Pressure and Social Influence
The psychology of addiction also shows how strongly peer pressure shapes our behavior. Many people, especially young adults, experiment with substances because “everyone else is doing it.” The desire to fit in and avoid rejection can overshadow the risks.
Tony recounts being surrounded by peers who normalized substance use. The sense of belonging felt comforting at the time, but it spiraled into dependency.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, social environments are one of the strongest predictors of whether someone will develop a substance use disorder.
3. Coping with Stress and Pressure
In today’s world, stress is everywhere; academic pressure, financial struggles, and family expectations can weigh heavily. Substances can feel like a quick fix to manage stress, even though the relief is temporary.
The psychology of addiction explains this as “self-medication,” where individuals use substances to dull life’s pressures. Tony openly shares how stress from personal setbacks led him to search for relief in substances. Yet, what seemed like a coping mechanism soon became a trap.
4. The Brain’s Reward System
Addiction isn’t just psychological, it’s neurological. Substances flood the brain with dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, reinforcing the desire to use again. Over time, the brain rewires itself to crave that high, making it harder to quit.
In The Beginning, Tony describes the cycle of chasing highs that were never enough. Each time he promised it would be the last, the brain’s reward system pulled him back in.
Understanding this biological aspect helps explain why willpower alone often isn’t enough to overcome addiction.
5. Searching for Identity and Purpose
Finally, the psychology of addiction highlights how the search for identity influences substance use. Many young people experiment with drugs and alcohol as part of discovering who they are. Unfortunately, this exploration can turn into dependency.
Tony’s story reflects this. In moments of uncertainty, substances seemed like a way to create confidence and belonging. But ultimately, it was finding faith, hope, and love themes central to his tour that gave him true purpose.
Breaking Free: A Message of Hope
The psychology of addiction shows us that while the reasons for substance use vary, the outcomes often look the same, cycles of dependency, broken relationships, and lost opportunities. But Tony Chihota’s journey also reminds us that recovery is possible.
Through the Kutanga Outreach Programme, the Nhumbi merchandise project, and his inspiring Faith, Hope & Love Tour, Tony now uses his story to guide others away from the path of addiction and toward renewal.
Want to experience his story firsthand? You can:
- Get the audiobook version of The Beginning.
- Watch the Faith, Hope & Love Tour Highlights on YouTube .
- Explore upcoming initiatives on the official website.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the psychology of addiction isn’t just about theory, it’s about real lives and real transformations. Tony’s journey shows that while addiction can trap us, faith, community, and support can set us free.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that seeking help is the first step. Recovery is not just possible, it’s powerful.